Pakistan's express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, whose 5-year ban was temporarily suspended, is free to play in the Indian Premier League.

A tribunal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had banned Akhtar for five years, but that has now been lifted only for 1 month, pending a further hearing.

Meanwhile IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has said Shoaib Akhtar could now play for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Before his ban was suspended, even IPL had objected Akhtar from making an IPL appearance, but now they have permitted him to make an appearance in the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament.